The big story

When Forbes magazine published its list of the film industry's top male earners this week, a collective "Wha?" rose from the planet's movie lovers. Could Robert Downey Jr, that noted human disaster area of 15 years back, really have become shot to the number one spot, with $75m to his name in the last calendar year?

It's having the good sense to have a profit share in The Avengers that appears to be primarily responsible, as well as presiding over the massive success of Iron Man 3. The script for the movie adaptation is writing itself as we speak.

Video on demand

Stories We Tell

Sarah Polley's documentary portrait of her parents' marriage is rich, tender and emotionally complex. You can watch it here

When China Met Africa

Directors Marc and Nick Francis follows various Chinese enterprises underway in Zambia – from large-scale roadbuilding to small-scale crop-growing – and underscore the uneasy relationship between the two. Watch it on demand here.

The Hunt

The brilliant Danish drama The Hunt, in which Mads Mikkelsen plays a teacher accused of paedophilia. Watch it on demand here

• For more of the best independent, cult or classic films and documentaries chosen by Guardian Film, keep an eye on the Guardian screening room